Circle G Ranch 2002
- Developers working on final design of proposed Elvis theme park
(DeSoto Times, May 22, 2002)
It's less than eight weeks until Georgia developers plan to break ground on a half-billion-dollar Elvis theme park near Horn Lake. Developers want maximum exposure for their endeavor and that's the reason they picked Aug. 16 - the date of the legendary singer's death - as the date for bulldozers to begin work on the site. Yet, so far the site remains unchanged as it has for most of the last 40 years. Presley's horse stable is sagging and the fence which used to surround his corral is in need of a fresh coat of paint. The Circle G Resort, which includes the 155-acre ranch once owned by Elvis Presley, is planned for an 808-acre site at Goodman Road and Highway 301. The Board of Supervisors approved the preliminary plan for the resort in April. "The groundbreaking is set for Aug. 15 and then we'll begin work on the welcome center. That's our first goal," said Ginger Morris of Titan Network in Atlanta which is handling publicity for the enterprise. ... The development was first announced in February as the Elvis Presley Ranch Resort. The use of the late entertainer's name drew strong criticism from Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis which runs Graceland and holds the rights to the Elvis name and image. The developers later changed the name to avoid legal problems. Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said the company is taking a wait and see attitude about the actual development of the theme park. "Right now we're just up here running our business," he said. "But obviously we will protect our trademarks and intellectual properties, just as we have always done."
- The Elvis Wars: Elvis vs. Elvis
By Andrew Buncombe
(Online Journalism Review, May 22, 2002)
It's Elvis versus Elvis in Mississippi. Writing in the UK Independent, Buncombe reports that the official guardians of the Elvis Presley legacy -- daughter Lisa Marie and ex-wife Priscilla -- are battling a plan to transform a 160-acre northern Mississippi horse farm once owned by the King into a $500 million Elvis theme park and convention center that will feature an 18-hole golf course, luxury homes, an Elvis museum and recreations of the White House and Graceland.
"We look forward to building a premier resort destination that Elvis fans and visitors will enjoy coming to year after year," boasts millionaire developer JD Stacy. "If he thinks he's entitled to exploit a trademarked, copyrighted name just because Elvis Presley owned that farm for a short period of time, [that] is a shaky legal situation," counters the president of Priscilla - and Lisa Marie-sanctioned Elvis Presley Enterprises. Undeterred by issues of law or taste, the developers have scheduled ground-breaking for their "Circle G Resort: Home of the Elvis Presley Ranch" for August 16 -- the 25th anniversary of Elvis's death.
- All shook up down in Memphis
By Andra Burch
(Sun-Herald, May 5, 2002, p. 22)
Elvis left the building 25 years ago, and all roads lead to Memphis this August to celebrate his life. Won't be long now, the townsfolk say, before Elvis returns, a thousandfold. ... It's been a quarter-century since Elvis died - longer than his entire entertainment career. Elvis fans worldwide will make the big two-five, making the trek if for no other reason than to say: "I was in Memphis on the 25th anniversary". And this year, the celebration is going to be even bigger than other years. ... [The many attractions are described] ... Soon the true Elvis fan will be able to round out the trip with a visit to his ranch in nearby Walls, Mississippi. Elvis bought the ranch in 1967 and named it The Circle G Ranch. It now features several fan attractions, including Priscilla Presley's honeymoon house, Elvis's barbecue pit and horse stables. The plan is to develop the ranch into a resort late this year for Elvis enthusiasts offering the ultimate Elvis experience: living with the King 24 hours a day.
- Challenge dismissed; annexing land OK
(Clarion-Ledger / The Associated Press, April 20, 2002)
The Mississippi Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge to Horn Lake's annexation of 8.8 square miles, clearing the way for the city to add 6,000 new residents. The court's 9-0 ruling Thursday in the 4-year-old case upheld a 2000 decision to allow the annexation. The annexation will push the city's population above 20,000, according to 2000 Census figures. Mayor Mike Thomas said the city would be ready to begin providing services for its new territory as soon as the court order allows. Assistant City Attorney Billy Campbell Jr. said he expects Horn Lake will be able to take the land May 19, or 10 days after the Supreme Court issues a mandate. The city will add almost all of the land in the Circle G Ranch Resort development, a proposed golf and entertainment complex centered on the land where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon.
- Elvis resort may get yuks on television, but serious issues linger
(DeSoto Times, April 18, 2002)
The proposed Elvis theme resort, whose plans were approved unanimously by DeSoto County's Board of Supervisors, continues to gain widespread attention-not all of it complimentary. Previously, the Times has reported on stories about the proposal in the London Times and Site Selection magazine. They took the project for DeSoto County seriously. Now comes another perspective from the "Late Show with David Letterman." The show originally aired in February but was repeated Tuesday night. Letterman outlined a humorous "Top Ten Features of The New Elvis Theme Resort." Here they are:
10. Each room has a combination jacuzzi/deep fryer.
9. Diners get to vote between the "young" lasagna and the "old" lasagna.
8. Mirrors that make you look bloated and sweaty.
7. Free cholesterol screenings.
6. Every hundredth customer wins an all-expense paid short-lived marriage to Lisa Marie Presley.
5. Complimentary sideburns on your pillow.
4. Saturday clambakes hosted by guy who played "Paul the bartender" in the Elvis movie "Clambake."
3. The opportunity to take part in the worst financial scheme since Enron.
2. 24-hour pharmacy; no prescriptions needed.
1. Two words: sequined soap.
Obviously, Letterman has his own perspective on Elvis, which is at odds with most fans' ideas about the King of Rock'n Roll. He probably would not understand the thousands of people who will come from all over the world to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death in August.
At the same time, his jab at the financial underpinnings of the project should give DeSoto County leaders some concern.
- Golf, not Elvis, main draw for 'world-class' Miss. resort
By MARIA BURNHAM
(CinciNow, April 8, 2002)
Even without Elvis Presley's name emblazoned on an 808-acre Elvis-themed resort here, developers still believe it will bring in 3 million tourists a year. The reasons: Elvis fans will come no matter what it's called, and many of the amenities are geared toward golf, not Elvis. "I'd say the golf business will be larger than the Elvis business," said Daniel DelPiano, founder and managing partner of Alpharetta, Ga.-based EPR Enterprises, the resort's development company. EPR changed the name of the development from the Elvis Presley Ranch Resort to the Circle G Ranch Resort after local officials voiced concerns with the name. Supervisors didn't want the county embroiled in any lawsuits that might stem from the unlicensed use of Elvis's name. The developers chose instead Circle G Ranch, the name Presley gave the 157 acres he owned from 1967 to 1973. That parcel of land is included in the overall development. "This is what Elvis called it. Throughout the world this is what Elvis fans know this as," said J. D. Stacy, vice president of EPR Enterprises. Already, fans come from all over the world to visit the ranch. Most stop in at The Flower Patch, a flower shop located in the house where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon. Developers are banking on that kind of devotion to bring Elvis fans to their resort.
- Dollywood example suggests Elvis Ranch could prove costly
By Robert Lee
(DeSoto Times, March 29, 2002)
If the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors plan to approve rezoning for the Elvis Presley Ranch entertainment and resort Wednesday they had better get ready to open their wallets. That's the advice from Earlene Teaster, city manager of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the tiny hamlet which is home to the Dollywood entertainment complex, which is based around the image and name of country music entertainer Dolly Parton. We spent half a million dollars, said Teaster of funds that Pigeon Forge officials spent widening roads and providing infrastructure like water and sewer to Dollywood. ... However, the main difference between Dollywood and the planned Elvis Ranch is that Parton has not only granted permission for use of her name and likeness at the park, she helps oversee it. So far, the Georgia developers who want to turn the 808 acres of vacant farmland into a resort with condominiums, a golf course, wedding chapels and convention center among other things, have not been able to nail down permission to use Presley's name and likeness. A March 20 meeting between EPR Enterprises LLC and Elvis Presley Enterprises failed to reach any agreement.
- Battle over Elvis rights: Pretender's claim to Elvis title triggers Battle of Graceland
By AUDRA D.S. BURCH
(Electronic Telegraph, March 17, 2002)
A BATTLE is rumbling in the Kingdom of Rock 'n' Roll: Elvis Presley's official estate is fighting a rival project to construct an Elvis theme park eight miles away from Graceland. As the doors of the late star's Memphis home open to welcome a deluge of fans in the year marking the 25th anniversary of his death, Elvis Presley Enterprise Inc is battling to preserve the Elvis trademark. Todd Morgan, the director of communications for EPE, said: "Using Elvis's name to market the property is something that cannot be done without our permission. At this point we have no interest in being involved, not because we are worried about competition, but because we fear that it would create confusion." ... "They can go forward with the project with any name that doesn't involve our trademark. Words such as 'Elvis', 'Presley' and 'Graceland' are banned." Last year EPE sacked 15 per cent of its workforce. Mr Morgan, however, insisted that Presley is more popular than ever: "Visitor levels have been down over the past years, but other major tourist attractions have been more down than us. "Elvis's popularity is at an all-time high. Half of our visitors are aged 35 and under, which means they were 10 years old or not even born when Elvis died."
- $517 Million Elvis Ranch Would Span 802 Acres
By JACK LYNE
(Site Selection: Online Insider, March 11, 2002)
Elvis lives . . . in real estate. Yes, the King has been sighted, this time in the form of a proposed 802-acre (321-hectare), US$517 million destination resort in Walls, Miss., five miles (eight kilometers) south of Memphis, Tenn. It's Elvis Presley Ranch, as developers backing the complex have dubbed it. And that's true . . . sort of. Presley once owned the 157-acre (63-hectare) Circle G Ranch that's part of the proposed site. More definitely true, some observers feel, is the project's well-above-average wackiness quotient. A plan submitted to the DeSoto County Planning Commission, for example, includes a Go Kart racing complex, two hotels and a convention center, 650 "luxury condominiums" (tentatively priced from $600,000 to $1.2 million), three wedding chapels and a number of "honeymoon cottages." Not to mention the proposed Elvis museum, two golf courses, a "family entertainment center," a retail center, restaurants and a concert auditorium. In addition, project plans suggest that trophy space lives - at least when you're talkin' Elvis. A reproduction of the White House is part of the master design, as is a replica of the 53,000-sq.-ft. (4,440-sq.-m.) "Elvis dream house" (which Presley, incidentally, never got around to building).
- Elvis ranch proposal merits consistency, close scrutiny (Editorial)
By Tom Pittman
(DeSoto Times, March 9, 2002)
Outsiders with shady past business dealings should not be given more freedom than local citizens and developers in rezoning and commercializing DeSoto County's land. That is what is happening, however, with the proposed theme resort that includes the ranch formerly owned by Elvis Presley. It's a $500 million proposal that already has gained international attention. ... Since the proposed development is so unusual and so little is known about its developers, the county should make sure its proposed rules are subject to at least the same degree of exactitude that is required of local citizens. This Nevada-based company does not deserve a virtual blank slate to write its own rules. The DeSoto County Planning Commission gave the text for the PUD unanimous approval last week on its first hearing. The county Board of Supervisors should be more careful when it decides whether to grant the new zoning at its April meeting.
What has been uncovered by the DeSoto Times about the developers J.D. Stacy and Daniel Delpiano is less than flattering. Stacy managed high-powered NASCAR teams, including Dale Earnhardt, about 20 years ago but left the sport amid controversy. An article on the NASCAR web site says that he visited various misfortunes upon those naive enough to trust him. This history suggests DeSoto County leaders should be wary. His partner, Delpiano, is currently under investigation by the Florida comptroller's office for alleged financial misdeeds, according to Florida authorities. Delpiano's partner already is under a cease and desist order from Florida authorities to prevent him from selling securities in that state.
The plan submitted by these men to DeSoto County has no specific rules. ... Stacy and Delpiano's conceptual plan does have one specific. It is themed around Elvis Presley. That proposal is DOA - dead on arrival. The organization with the rights to Elvis' name and likeness, which has guarded them effectively for decades, has warned that this development does not have permission to use either. The conceptual plan is left with no concept. The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors ought not to approve this conceptual plan until its developers at least gain approval to use their overall concept - Elvis.
- Elvis resort backer denies involvement in Florida case
By Robert Lee Long
(DeSoto Times, March 9, 2002)
A partner in the planned 808-acre Elvis Presley Ranch Resort near Horn Lake said he did not have any direct involvement in a Florida time-share deal currently under investigation by the State of Florida. On Thursday, the State Comptroller's Office in Florida reported that it was investigating complaints against a company known as Premiere Holidays International, Inc. The company, which lists Daniel Delpiano as a corporate officer, is under investigation for alleged improper financial dealings. Laura Royal, a financial investigator with the Florida Comptroller's Office said the comptroller's office had an open investigation on Mr. Delpiano at this time. However, Delpiano said Friday that he was only a third party in a dispute which arose between an insurance company claim and the lien holder over promissory notes that were not paid on time. Delpiano said the insurance company said it honored the claims and a lawsuit soon arose between the insurance company and the note holder over the unpaid promissory notes. ... Basically, the issue in Florida has nothing to do with the Elvis Presley Ranch, Delpiano said. The investigation has to do with the insurance company and Stetson and Associates, the company named in the investigation. ... Meanwhile, Florida officials said Friday that Delpiano, Stetson and other officers remain an active part of the investigation.
- Graceland all shook up over rival Elvis resort
By Chris Ayres
(The Times, March 8, 2002)
The owners of Graceland, which accommodates visitors in Heartbreak Hotel and feeds them at The Chrome Grille, are threatening legal action after planning permission was granted for a rival Elvis resort eight miles down the road. The new park will cost $517 million (£335 million). Jack Soden, president of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the company set up to manage the singer's estate after he died 25 years ago, fears there will not be enough demand for Elvis memorabilia to sustain two theme parks.
- Supervisors still have questions about proposed Elvis resort
By Rino Dolbi
(DeSoto Times Today, March 7, 2002)
A proposal to build a $500 million Elvis Presley theme resort in County has raised a lot of questions in the minds of DeSoto County Supervisors. The 808-acre development, which is being proposed by Georgia developer J.D. Stacy, received a preliminary approval last week by the county Planning Commission. The property is located in the area off Goodman Road and Highway 301. The Board of Supervisors, which has the final say in whether the plan is approved, is set to hear the proposal on April 3. Board Supervisor John Caldwell said Wednesday he favors development in the western part of the county but wants to hear the proposal before making his decision on the theme resort. ... Stacy is seeking a rezoning which would allow for the theme park as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Questions have been raised as to what would happen to the land if the PUD is approved but the Presley project does not materialize.
- Graceland officials will challenge planned Elvis resort
(DeSoto Times, March 2, 2002)
MEMPHIS - Officials with Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis are planning legal action to stop a Georgia developer from using the late entertainer's name on a proposed $500 million resort in DeSoto County. The county planning commission on Thursday granted preliminary approval for the 808-acre Elvis Presley Ranch resort which is being developed by J.D. Stacy of Alpharetta, Ga. The land is located at the intersection of Goodman Road and Highway 301 and includes a 154-acre tract known as the Circle G Ranch which was once owned by Presley. Neither Stacy nor anyone from his organization has contacted Elvis Presley Enterprises, which holds the exclusive rights to the Elvis name and image. During Thursday's planning commission meeting, Stacy said his attorneys believe he will not need permission from Elvis Presley Enterprises to use the name "Elvis Presley Ranch" because the ranch once belonged to the entertainer. Jack Soden, president and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said Friday that his organization is prepared to challenge that assertion in court.
- ELVIS GETS THEME PARK
(www.dotmusic.com, March 1, 2002)
Elvis Presley is to be honoured with a $500 million theme park in his home state of Mississippi. The 'Elvis Presley Ranch' is to be built just 15 minutes from the singer's famous Graceland home in Memphis. The complex, which houses part of the ranch that Presley bought in 1967, will also feature golf courses, amusement rides and a wedding chapel. Paul D'Agnese, president of project developers EPR Enterprises LLC, said: "Our objective for this resort is to build a place where Elvis fans and visitors can experience a part of his life in a setting that is wholesome, fun and memorable for the entire family." According to the BBC, park organisers hope to hold the opening ceremony on August 16, the 25th anniversary of Presley's death. Elvis, who was born in 1935 sold over one billion records throughout his career. Meanwhile, it's reported that The King's music will feature on Disney's forthcoming animated film, 'Lilo and Stich'.
- Rock'n'rollercoaster for Elvis
(BBC News, March 1, 2002)
The go-ahead has been given to a $500m theme park in honour of singing legend Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Ranch is to be built at a site near Memphis, Mississippi, just 15 minutes from the singer's former home Graceland. The new complex is to have golf courses, amusement rides and even a wedding chapel. The park's organisers are hoping to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the 25th anniversary of Presley's death on 16 August. The site includes part of the ranch which Presley bought in 1967. Paul D'Agnese, president of the company behind the development, EPR Enterprises LLC, said the complex will be geared to all the singer's fans. The news of the proposed resort comes as Presley's star has apparently begun to fade in the US with a 15% slump in tourists visiting his Graceland home in 2001, which forced staff redundancies. More than 1.6 million of his records were sold in the US last year. However the singer's appeal to a younger audience should be boosted when The King's music is included on the forthcoming Disney animated movie Lilo and Stich. Presley was born on 8 January 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi. In his career, which spanned the different genres of rock'n'roll, country and gospel, he sold more than one billion records.
- Commission gives preliminary approval to Elvis resort
(DeSoto Times Today, March 1, 2002)
HERNANDO - A plan to build a $500 million Elvis Presley theme resort in DeSoto County received preliminary approval from the county Planning Commission Thursday night after a two and a half hour hearing. ... Officials with Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis said last week that they were unaware of the project but would take legal steps to prevent the use of the Elvis name without their permission.
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